8000 Sunset Boulevard,

West Hollywood,
CA90046

I visited the Sunset 5 in July 2014 to see “Snowpiercer”, an apocalyptic fable based on a comic book, which I imagine is a typical ‘Sundance’ limited release offering. I’m pleased to say the 5pm show attracted a reasonable crowd. The cinema is in superb shape, with friendly staff and a really welcoming atmosphere. I have added a number of photos, including two of the upstairs lounge, no doubt a very nice area to relax in as part of a visit.

This is from a July 30th press release that’s currently on their web site here: www.sundancecinemas.com/sunset_insiders_guide.html

“Sundance Cinema’s remodel of the former Sunset 5 theater at Sunset and Crescent Heights Blvd is finally finished. The new decor is pure Sundance: rustic, elegant and comfortable. Sundance Cinemas took the original theatre down to the studs, and have put in the latest digital presentation systems, all reserved stadium seating with plush rockers and tablettes, and rebuilt the lobby to include a Bistro serving classic movie treats, quick and easy snacks and a bar serving beer and wine which may be brought into the theatre during +21 shows. In addition, the experience has been expanded to include an upstairs lounge filled with comfortable Sundance Catalog furniture, and the patio has been annexed as a new outdoor lobby where patrons are invited to chat, drink and eat before or after the show. Programming will specialize in American Independent and foreign language titles”

Also there’s a small photo of the new lobby area under construction taken from the second level looking down.

I stuck my head in there yesterday (July 31, 2012) and they have made quite a bit of progress. My guess is that there is a good chance they can actually open at the end of Auguast 2012. I hope so. What they have done is break through the roof adding height to the auditorioums and allowing them to have stadium seating.
Can anybody confirm?

I agree dtrigubetz. Good news socal09. So glad someone saved it. Great memories here. Saw tons of great arthouse films here in the 90’s during college, then hung out downstairs at Virgin Megastore and eating at Wolfgang Pucks! The Archlight is nice, but seriously, $16.00 for a movie?

Seems like plans are moving along for a refurbished 5 screen facility with reserved stadium seating for 682, alcohol sales and fancy snacks (perhaps something not noisy like sushi?)
LINK: http://westhollywood.patch.com/articles/sundance-cinemas-presents-plans-to-neighborhood

I have the impression Sundance Cinemas are pricey. Not sure how much but they are a high-end theatre chain. It looks like WeHo, Hollywood area is getting to cost. The new owners have the nerve to charge $16.00 but cannot offer decent first run product. Arclight with Membership card and online purchases can run from $12.75 weekend and Saturday matinees and $15.00 evenings, holidays and all day SUnday. Still a better option than sitting in a stale AMC theatre with unruly patrons and endless advertising.

Here is yesterday’s Laemmle facebook goodbye:
www.facebook.com/laemmletheatres/posts/10150432801533276
And this FB post with a link to info on the closure: www.facebook.com/laemmletheatres/posts/10150432339263276

There was a good turnout for the final night with nice crowds for Rampart, Melancholia and The Skin I Live In. The lobby was also full of well-wishers stopping by to say goodbye. I’m definitely curious to see what Sundance does with the space.

I’m guessing they’re really closed now since the theatre is no longer in the Laemmle ad in the Los Angeles Times. In its place is a “Coming Soon” announcement for the upcoming North Hollywood location.